E3 2013: Why Nintendo Didn't Make Mario Galaxy 3

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We love 3D World, but what about a return to Mario's more galactic adventures?

By Richard George

Nintendo has unveiled its 3D action Mario game for Wii U, but rather than focus on a full 3D concept along the lines of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Wii, the EAD Tokyo team is working on a sequel to the isometric 2D-3D hybrid Super Mario 3D Land.

Naturally fans might be a bit confused - or at the very least surprised. Surely the best way for EAD Tokyo to demonstrate Wii U's HD power and GamePad controller would be to channel its Wii-based series? I asked them this very question earlier today at Nintendo's Wii U Software Showcase.

In short, the answer lies in 3D World's emphasis on simultaneous 4-player local (only) gameplay. Producer Yoshiaki Koizumi and Director Koichi Hayashida told me that when Super Mario 3D Land was in development, they believed a multiplayer element would be a fantastic addition to that style of game. Though the concept didn't make it into that 3DS game, they believed the power of Wii U would allow them to fully realize those mechanics.

Despite having its roots in 3D Land, Hayashida and Koizumi stressed that they are drawing from all corners of Mario's action genre legacy. Bringing Princess Peach's floating ability back from the USA version of Super Mario Bros. 2 was a part of this, but so are the more eccentric and wild levels designs from the Galaxy. And there are plenty of smaller references too, such as the collectible green stars that Galaxy first introduced.

Incidentally, I asked the most pressing question on my mind - if Princess Peach is playable, then who is kidnapped? The developers wouldn't give an answer, but said it was an excellent question to have.

Rich is an Executive Editor at IGN, running around E3 2013 like crazy, playing the Nintendos and trying his best not to fall asleep. Keep an eye out on IGN for more of his Nintendo coverage - or yell at him on Twitter @RichIGN.